Miami, Houston, San Juan and Tokyo to host 2026 World Baseball Classic
World Baseball Classic Inc (WBCI) announced the venues for the sixth World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 2026. loanDepot Park in Miami, the home of MLB's Marlins, will host games in the event's three stages, including the final, as in 2023.
The other venues will be Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the Tokyo Dome in Japan.
"Following a record-breaking World Baseball Classic in 2023, loanDepot park showcased that it is the home of international baseball, and we are proud to once again bring the incredible tournament back to South Florida, the go-to destination for jewel global events," said Marlins Chairman and Principal Owner Bruce Sherman. "It is a tremendous honour to once again serve as host for all three rounds, including the prestigious final, and on behalf of our entire team and the greater Miami area, I would like to express our gratitude to Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association for the recognition."
Minute Maid Park will serve as a World Baseball Classic host for the first time in the event’s history. The ballpark will become the ninth different Major League ballpark to host World Baseball Classic contests, joining Chase Field in Phoenix (2006, 2013, 2023); Petco Park in San Diego (2006, 2009, 2017); Angel Stadium in Anaheim (2006); Rogers Centre in Toronto (2009); Dolphin Stadium in Miami (2009); Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (2009, 2017); Oracle Park in San Francisco (2013); and loanDepot park in Miami (2013, 2017, 2023).
"Houston is a global city with the best baseball fans, and we are proud to welcome fans from across the globe to watch international competition at Minute Maid Park," commented Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane.
The Tokyo Dome has hosted World Baseball Classic Games in all previous editions.
"The previous tournament in 2023, in which the Japan National Team became world champions, generated a great deal of excitement in Japan, and the increase in the number of children becoming interested in baseball was a great benefit to the baseball world," said Takashi Yamada, Chief Officer, Culture and Sports Projects, Yomiuri Shimbun. "We will do our utmost to bring the excitement and inspiration of the World Baseball Classic to the world once again and to ensure the success and development of the tournament."
The Hiram Bithorn Stadium has hosted first-round games in the 2006, 2009 and 2013 editions.
"I am profoundly honoured that our city has been chosen to host the World Baseball Classic for the fourth time," said Hon. Miguel Romero, Mayor of San Juan. "This decision reflects the world's recognition of San Juan as a premier venue for global sporting events."
The WBSC sanctions the World Baseball Classic and has awarded the winners the title of Baseball World Champion since the 2013 edition.
The World Baseball Classic is a 20-team tournament. The top four finishers of the 2023 first round four groups (World No. 1 Japan, No. 2 Mexico, No. 3 USA, No. 4 Korea, No. 6 Venezuela, No. 7 Netherlands, No. 8 Cuba, No. 9 Dominican Republic, No. 10 Panama, No. 11 Australia, No. 12 Puerto Rico, No. 14 Italy, No. 15 Czechia, No. 16 Canada, No. 18 Great Britain and No. 19 Israel) already qualified. The other four participants will be the winners of the 2025 qualifying tournament.
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